Automatic unloading washing machine

ABSTRACT

This machine comprises an internal washing drum and an external cylindrical shell. Washing fluid and materials are inserted into the unit via a port located upon the surface of the external shell and the two cylinders are relatively movable in order to effect the necessary operations of loading, washing, and unloading.

[ 1 Feb. 15, 1972 United States Patent Hutterer [54] AUTOMATIC UNLOADINGWASHING 1,938,676 12/1933White......................................68/210 FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS MACHINE 1,207,165 8/1959 France....................................68/208 1,114,562 12/1955France.....................................68/2l0 [72] Inventor: MartinHutterer, Forest Hills, NY.

[73] Assignee: Cummings-Landau Laundry Machinery Co., Inc., Brooklyn,NY.

Apr. 29, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 32,852

Primary Examiner-William i. Price [22] Filed:

Attorney-Robert R. Strack and James A. Eisenman ABSTRACT This machinecomprises an internal washing drum and an external cylindrical shell.Washing fluid and materials are in- [58] FieldofSearch..................................68/208,207,210

[51] Int.Cl................

serted into the unit via a port located upon the surface of the externalshell and the two cylinders are relatively movable in order to effectthe necessary operations of loading, washing, and unloading.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS .68/210 7 Claims, 11 DrawingFigures PATENTEBFEB 15 I972 3.641.792

sum 1 BF 6 INVENTOR. MART/N HUTTERER WW d 5 4 ATTORNEYS PATENTEDFEB 15I972 a illllllllw SHEET 2 OF 6 INVENTOR. MARTIN HUTTERER BY M? w swmfATTORNEYS PATENIEnrEa 15 m2 SHEET 3 [IF 6 m GI ' INVENTOR. MARTINHUTTERER ATTORNEYS SHEET 0F 6 5 mk v V s om u n 1 H1111 I lllll lllllIllIIlIlIl-l-l-l- [HI II ll H H "Illfn IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII INVENTOR.MARTIN HUTTERER w? nd 3 22% ATTORNEYS PAIENTEDFEB 15 m: 3.641 .792

SHEET 5 OF 6 INVENTOR. MARTIN HUTTERER ATTORNEYS PATENTEU FEB 1 5 I972SHEET 8 OF 6 1 w 7 Fl 00 VZ 15%,, f n I 4 ii a3 a ,1 8 LL I: IT

Q 4 H I;

i r I'll L? \O m Q KN) Ln 1 I 1 1 \inll n 1 P a i i I m ,l 5 i E; i x I1 I pl T! w; E i LU- l :2 5

INVENTOR.

MARTIN HUTTERER ATTORNEYS AUTOMATIC UNLOADING WASHING MACHINE BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates tocommercial laundry equipment and more particularly relates to commercialwashing machines which permit top loading and bottom unloading.

2. Description of the Prior Art In general, it may be said that thereare two principal types of unloading commercial washers presently on themarket. One type comprises a single fluid tight drum that rotates duringthe washing cycle and which contains access doors having special sealingmeans. The other type comprises a double drum of the general naturedisclosed in applicants U.S. Pat. No. 3,417,583, wherein a washingbasket is contained in a fluidtight outer shell housing. In this patent,the unit is mounted for pivoting in a manner that permits atom gravityassisted unloading of the wash after the wash cycle has been completed.

In the aforementioned single-drum type washing machine, the machine isloaded through access doors which must be tightly sealed either manuallyor mechanically. One conventional, yet troublesome, sealing meansemploys inflatable seals. The washing fluid, supplies, etc., areinserted through rotatable couplings located along the axis of rotationof the drum which is generally longitudinally divided or partitionedinto a number of compartments in order to insure distribution of theload. Thus the washing fluid and supplies must be distributed throughthe load from one end of the drum along the length of the cylinder andthrough the separating partitions. In general, the even distribution ofwashing fluid and supplies is not satisfactorily achieved. Stillfurther, it has been found that there is also uneven distribution oftemperature and water level along the length of the drum.

Following each wash cycle, it is necessary to remove the waste water.With the single-drum type units, this is generally done though anopening that is normally closed by special stationary or inflatableseals. Since some of the waste water must pass through the wash load,traverse the entire length of the drum, and must pass through holes inthe separating partilions, complete and uncontaminating drainage is notachieved. Furthermore, the seals utilized at both the waste wateroutlet, and the access doors, are subject to relatively rapiddeterioration and require frequent replacement.

Many of the detrimental features of the existing single-drum typewashers are overcome by the washing machine described in theaforementioned patent. This unit makes possible the supply of washingfluid and materials through a stationary inlet port or ports, and alsomakes possible the extraction of the waste water through the same or asimilar stationary outlet port. As a result, the problem of maintainingtight rotating seals that necessarily deteriorate with time issubstantially removed. Furthermore, by permitting entry of the necessarymaterials at any desired position along the longitudinal axis of themachine, more reliable distribution of material, fluid level, andtemperature is achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The washing machine of the present invention isof the double-drum type and has a wash basket that is permanentlymounted on a rotating axis that does not need to be lifted for eitherloading or unloading. On the other hand, the washing machine of thepresent invention retains many of the advantages of the aforementionedpatented unit, by utilizing unique input and output valve means that areconvenient to operate and that do not require the relatively short-livedseal means used with single-drum type units.

In the design of a large capacity washing machine, several factorsshould be stressed. One of the factors is washing quality andefficiency, another is convenience of operation, and yet another ismachine reliability. Washing quality and efficiency from a machinestandpoint can be enhanced by such design considerations as thedistribution of the load, the washing fluid, and the supplies.Convenience of operation is a design factor that involves both humanengineering and structural engineering considerations. Machinereliability is primarily a structural and electrical engineeringresponsibility. The present invention integrates each of these factorsinto a superior washing machine.

One important feature of the invention resides in the fact that adouble-cylinder arrangement is employed. In accordance with thisarrangement, an inner cylindrical wash basket is coaxially mounted forrotation within an outer cylindrical fluidtight shell. The load isplaced within the washbasket and the washing fluid and supplies areinjected into the outer cylinder. The spacing between the coaxiallymounted units thus acts as a conduit for distribution of all cleaningmaterials.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the fact that theinner and outer cylinders are independently rotatable relative to oneanother. During a typical loading operation, access doors in the innerand outer cylinders are aligned and positioned above the longitudinalaxis of the machine. During a typical washing operation, the closedaccess doors of the outer shell are in a stationary position near thetop of the machine while the closed access doors of the washbasket serveto complete the circumference thereof and rotate with the basket. Duringa typical unloading operation, the access doors in both cylinders wouldagain be in alignment, but positioned below the longitudinal axis of themachine in order to effect gravity unloading.

The independent rotatability of the inner washbasket and outer cylinder,has numerous advantages. Thus, from a structural standpoint, the outershell access doors are not subjected to heavy water pressure or evenvery much splashing. From an operation standpoint, the machine can beloaded by slings, or from an upper floor, and from front or rear,whichever arrangement is most convenient in the light of existing plantfacilities and practices.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved commercialwashing machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedwashing machine adaptable to loading from above and unloading from belowand being rotatably mounted upon a fixed axis.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedwashing machine which does not require the use of in flatable seals orthe like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a double-cylinderwashing machine wherein each cylinder is capable of independentrotational movement.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedwashing machine having unique input and output ports for all fluids andsupplies charged therein.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedwashing machine which affords more effective injection and removal offluids and supplies and wherein the water level, temperature, and supplydistribution are relatively even throughout the longitudinal length ofthe machine.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a unit having aninner cylinder forming a washbasket and an outer cylinder coaxiallydisposed therearound. The outer cylinder includes means for supplyingfluids and washing supplies therethrough. Means are provided forindependently rotating the washbasket during washing operations; and,furthermore, means are provided for relatively positioning both theinner and outer cylinders to align access doors in suitable positionsfor both loading and unloading the contents of the machine.

The manner in which the above objects are attained and an appreciationof the features of the present invention, will be available from thefollowing detailed description of the invention with reference to thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of awashing machine embodying the features of the present invention;

FIGS. 2-6 are schematic illustrations taken through a vertical planedisposed approximately half way down the longitudinal axis of a machineaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration from one end of a washing machineillustrating another output valve port arrangement suitable for use withthe invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a drive mechanism that may be employedin conjunction with a washing machine of this invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention whereinfluid and supplies are inserted into the shell via a path originating atthe axis thereof; and

FIGS. 10 and 11 are enlarged views of support and drive structure whichmay be employed in conjunction with the embodiment of FIG. Q

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 illustrates the manner inwhich a washing machine according to the present invention may bemounted and operated. In this unit, an outer cylindrical, substantiallywatertight, shell I] is mounted for rotation upon mounts 12 and 13. Theaxis of the cylinder is positioned sufficiently high above the operatingsurface or floor to permit the positioning of containers l4 and 15 forreceiving the wash after it has been processed. Outer shell 1 1 containsdoors l6 and 17 which may be opened either manually or mechanically. Itis contemplated that such doors would conform to the general outerconfiguration of cylinder 11 and would be retractable along pathsconforming to the circumference of the cylinder. The number and specificconstruction of the doors is not germane to the invention; however, itwill be noted that they need not be provided with inflatable seals.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, an inner washing cylinder or basketis coaxially mounted within the shell 11 and this inner cylindercontains doors having an aperture substantially conforming with that ofouter doors 16 and 17. Means for driving the inner wash cylinder and theouter shell, both independently and together, may be provided within themounts l2, 13, or may be furnished in other ways familiar to thoseskilled in the art.

For a more complete understanding of both the relative positioning ofthe inner and outer cylinders and attendant structures, and of thecontemplated operations of the present invention, reference may be hadto FIGS. 2-6.

FIG. 2 illustrates the positioning of the washer drum during the washingphase of wash cycle. The outer shell 11 is rotated about the axis of theequipment so that the closed shell door 16 is above the water level. Inthis embodiment, when the outer shell is in this position, a port 25 forinput of fluid and supplies, is seated and sealed to the stationaryinlet plumbing 26. As shown in FIGS. 2-6, an inlet port may be designedin conjunction with an outlet port 24 at a single location. Under thesecircumstances, for example, the ports may be in the form of aT-arrangement wherein the waste water outlet 24 is at one end of thecrossbar and is orthogonally disposed relative to the fresh water andsupply inlet 25 at the end of the stem. In view of the fact that theplumbing 26 is stationary, relatively simple seal means may be provided.These sealing means do not require continuous replacement and they canbe made extremely reliable even recognizing the fact that live steam mayoften be supplied therethrough.

During the washing phase of a wash cycle as shown in FIG. 2, the innerwashing basket with its access door 21 in closed position, may berotated in either direction about the axis of the machine. Obviously,there is no need for a seal on the washbasket door or doors since thepassage of fluids between the inner drum 20 and the outer shell 11should not be restricted. Still further there is no need for seals onthe outer shell door or doors because these doors are disposed at theupper portion of the unit during washing and are not subjected to heavywater pressure.

With respect to the illustration in FIG. 2 and subsequent FIGS. 3-6, itmay also be noted that a container 14 is illustrated having wheels orsimilar means 28 for positioning it undemeath the washing machine sothat it may receive completed wash. It will be immediately apparent tothose skilled in the art that the washing machine may be mounted eitherhigher or lower relative to the floor 29 in order to facilitate thepositioning of containers [4. It will also be immediately apparent thatthe dimensioning and location of the stationary plumbing and seals maybe arranged selectively in order to permit the convenient positioning ofcontainers 14.

Upon completion of the wash cycle, valve means in the waste water outletare opened and all waste water discharged. The outer shell 11 may thenbe partially rotated in order to position the outer doors in aconvenient location for operator handling. This clockwise rotation ofthe cylinder, as viewed in the FIGS., will effect a removal of the fluidand supply ports from the seal against stationary input plumb 26. FIG. 3shows this initial positioning of the outer shell with door 16 in anopen position, thereby providing aperture 30.

FIG. 4 illustrates that the outer shell 11 may then be secured inposition while rotating the washbasket 20 in order to locate the accessdoor 21 thereof in alignment with the opening in the outer shell 11. Theinner door 21 is then opened providing alignment of inner aperture 31with outer aperture 30.

Both cylinders 11, 20, may then be rotated in synchronism and, as shownin FIG. 5, the wash 22 will be automatically discharged under the forceof gravity. A suitably disposed slide 33 may assist in insuring removalof all materials.

FIG. 6 illustrates the equipment when it is repositioned for the receiptof a wash load. This repositioning is effected by rotating bothcylinders 11, 20 in synchronism so that the apertures provided by theopen doors 16, 21 are located beneath a sling 32 or similar unit adaptedfor charging a new load into the washing machine. Having loaded themachine, both doors 16, 21 may be closed and the outer shell rotated tothe position with the fluid supply port sealed against the stationaryplumbing members 26. Fluid and supplies may then be provided throughinput 25 and a new wash cycle initiated.

In some situations, it is found advantageous to have loading apparatus,such as slings 32, in very close proximity to the surface of outer shell11. When this is the case, the ports 24, 25 may find interference withthe loading apparatus in certain rotational positions of outer shell 11.To avoid any possibility of interference, the outer shell may belongitudinally extended on end. With this structure, the ports may belocated on the extension and beyond the position of the loadingapparatus.

Yet another modification may be provided with regard to the positioningof ports 24, 25 or even with regard to the positioning of the outputport 25 only. (As noted previously, it is not necessary to have both theinput and output ports at the same location.) This modification isillustrated in FIG. 7, wherein output port 25 is located on the endsurface of outer shell 11. Output plumbing 26' is suitably positionedand actuated to permit engagement or withdrawal from port 25' at desiredtimes during the operating cycle. With this modification, one does notrequire special seals on the ports and it becomes possible to rotateouter shell 11 in either direction through 360 or more.

FIG. 8 illustrates a drive mechanism that may be advantageously employedwith the unique washing machines of this invention. In this FIG., outershell 11 and inner cylinder 20 are schematically shown as mounted uponan axis that would normally be horizontally disposed. The outer shell iscoaxially mounted relative to inner cylinder 20 by means of a suitablebearings 136 and 138. Drive means are then connected to both the outershell and the inner cylinder for controlling them relative to oneanother and independently.

The basic drive motor 140 is disposed on the left of the Fig. Associatedwith motor 140 is a brake 141 and an output shaft which is connected viaa coupling 142 to the drive gearing for the washing apparatus. A clutch143 is provided for connecting the motor to the drive mechanism whendesired.

During the standard wash cycle, clutch 143 is engaged and connects thedrive shaft 134 via gears 145, 146, 147, 148, 150 and 151 to cylindershaft 135. Under these conditions, the cylinder operates with the speedand direction desired for optimum washing conditions. When clutch 143 isengaged, there is an interlock so that clutches 155 and 156 (describedhereinafter) cannot be operated.

Clutches 155 and 156 are arranged to couple the drive shaft 134 frommotor 140 to the basket 20 and shell 11 when clutch 143 is disengaged.These clutches couple drive shaft 134 to cylinder shaft 135 and theshell 11 via gear trains 152, 153, 157, 158 and 152, 153, 159, 160,respectively, in synchronism. When this latter drive is in effect, thespeed of rotation of the units will be less than that during the washcycle, as a result of a gear reduction accomplished at gears 152, 153.Of course, suitable gearing can be used to effect the rotation of thecylinders at any desired speed. Automatic controls will be provided forsuitable operation of the various units to effect the wash operationdescribed hereinabove.

FIG. 9 illustrates the general assembly of a machine in accordance witha further illustrative embodiment of the invention. In thisillustration, outer shell 11 is secured at each end to assemblies 42 and43 by supporting trunnions 40 and 41' respectively. Assemblies 42 and 43each consist of the housings for the various seals, retaining means, andbearing utilized in the mounting and driving of outer shell 11 and innerwash basket 20.

A raised portion 46, 47 on each of assemblies 42, 43, respectively, issupported on a pair of rollers shown at 44 and 45. It will be understoodthat two rollers are represented by a single reference number; onebehind the other. These rollers are supported on stationary means 13 and12 which in turn are mounted securely upon the floor. Raised portions 46and 47 are utilized in order to permit rotation of outer shell 11 inaccordance with the operating method previously described.

On the extreme right end of the machine shown in FIG. 9, is a sprocket48. In approximately the same position to the left of the machine isanother sprocket 49. These sprockets are secured to assemblies 42 and43, and hence to outer shell 11. Thus, in order to drive the outercylinder these sprockets are connected to a suitable drive mechanism. Afurther sprocket 50 is mounted at the left of sprocket 49. Sprocket 50is affixed via key 51 to the shaft of washbasket 20 and accordingly maybe driven in order to independently rotate washbasket 20. Further to theleft of sprocket 50 is a V-belt pulley 52 that is also keyed, at 53, tothe shaft of washbasket 20. During wash operations, V-belt pulley 52will be directly connected to the drive motor and thereby establish thewasher rotation during the major portion of the operation. It will beseen that the washbasket shaft 85 projects on the left of the machinewhere it is retained by a thrust bearing 54 against axial movement.Bearing 54 is also securely mounted to the floor via stanchion 12.

A somewhat more specific understanding of the contents of assemblies 42and 43 may be obtained by consideration of FIGS. and 11. It should beunderstood, that the actual support and drive mechanism for the washingmachines of this invention, may vary in accordance with specificrequirements. These specific means being shown and described herein areintended as illustrative only.

FIG. 10 shows the washing fluid and supply end of the machine. Asillustrated, the shaft 75 of cylinder projects into assembly 42 whereinit is supported by ball bearings 72. Seal 70, retained in position byretainers 71, prevents any fluid from escaping into assembly 42. Inaddition, a seal plate 59 is provided on the right-hand side of thebearings.

An axial opening 55 is provided on the right-hand side of assembly 42.This axial opening permits the entry of fluid and supplies via the pathillustrated by the dashed arrow. Thus, the supplies enter along the axisof the equipment and exit via port 56. This port is connected fixedly toa radially disposed conduit 60 and an inlet port 61 shown in the partialcross section in the lower quadrant of FIG. 8. During the loading phaseof the wash cycle, inlet 61 may supply both washing fluid and suppliesunder pressure to the lower portion of outer cylinder 11. These fluidsand supplies are thus distributed throughout the machine initially viathe space between cylinder 11 and washbasket 20. This insures an evendistribution without interference by either the wash or separatingpartitions. During entry of the fluid and supplies, waste outlet 62 issealed by movable valve 63. The details of this particular seal andvalve are not illustrated; however, it will be understood that theopening 62 is somewhat larger than inlet 61. When the waste fluid is tobe discharged, valve 63 is moved to the right and fluid is permitted toflow out via aperture 62.

FIG. 11 illustrates the contents of housing 43 and it will be seen thatthese are quite similar to those previously discussed. Thus, all fluidis kept within the housing by means of seals which are maintained inplace by retainers 81. The shaft of the washbasket is mounted on ballbearings 82, and the ball bearings are then covered by element 83. Sincethis is the basket drive end of the machine, shaft 85 is extended inorder to permit mounting of sprocket 50 and V-belt pulley 52. It is alsomore clearly shown in this FIG. that the shaft extends into the thrustbearing 54 in order to prevent axial movement.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-11 will generally be operated inaccordance with the same procedures discussed hereinbefore with respectto the other embodiments. Thus, during the loading operation, the washbasket and outer cylinder will be rotated in synchronism in order toplace the doors thereof above the axis of the equipment so that the washmay be loaded. In the event that the loading position differs from theactual running position of the cylinder, they will then be rotatedfurther upward in order to place the unit in the position shown in FIGS.9 and 10. Washing fluid and supplies will then be introduced.

During the wash cycle, the outer shell 11 is stationary and in theposition shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. At this time, the cylinder is drivenvia the V-belt pulley 52 and the main motor drive. Following completionof the wash cycle, the main motor drive is disconnected and the motorbrake is released so that washbasket 20 can be driven at a low speedthrough sprocket 50. This is done until the washbasket and outercylinder door are in alignment. Thereafter, both the outer cylinder andthe washbasket are driven via sprockets 48, 49 and 50 so that the doorsmay be brought into a position where they can be opened automatically orby an operator. When the doors are open, the cylinder and shell areturned to the dump position where the doors open toward the bottom.

Relatively specific preferred embodiments of the invention have beenprovided. Obviously, modifications may be made in view of the teachingof this disclosure by those skilled in the art. It is to be expectedthat the specific means for driving the cylinders of this washingmachine may be modified in accordance with specific design criteria. Itis also contemplated that modifications may be made in the positioningof such elements as the access doors and the fluid supply valves. Stillfurther, the order of certain steps and the speed with which they arecarried out, may be modified. All such modifications as come within thespirit and scope of the appended claims are intended to be within thecontemplation of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A washing machine comprising an inner cylinder and outer shellcoaxially mounted; drive means for rotatably driving said cylinder andsaid shell about their axes; and at least one port in said outer shellhaving an opening substantially aligned with the axis of said cylinderand shell, a radially extending conduit, a passage into said shelllocated near the periphery thereof, means for supplying fluid andsupplies to the interior of said outer cylinder and means for extractingfluid therefrom, and valve means for controlling the opened and closedcondition of said port.

2. A washing machine according to claim 1, wherein said port is scalableto external plumbing when said outer shell is in a predetermined angularposition.

3. A washing machine according to claim 1, including door means on thecircumference of said cylinder and said shell.

ders with their respective door means aligned during loading andunloading operations and while aligned to rotate said cylinders insynchronism.

7. A washing machine according to claim 6, including means forpositioning the aligned cylinders with the door means about the axis forloading and with the door means below the axis for unloading.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 DatedFebruary 1 1972 Inventor(s) Martin Hutterer It is certified that errorappears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent arehereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, line 17 Change "atom" to --automatic- Column H line 18 Change"plumb" to plumbing Column l, line 31 After "of a" insert new Column Hline 47 After "on" insert -one Signed and sealed this 8th day of Ma1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 w us. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1969o-36s-334

1. A washing machine comprising an inner cylinder and outer shellcoaxially mounted; drive means for rotatably driving said cylinder andsaid shell about their axes; and at least one port in said outer shellhaving an opening substantially aligned with the axis of said cylinderand shell, a radially extending conduit, a passage into said shelllocated near the periphery thereof, means for supplying fluid andsupplies to the interior of said outer cylinder and means for extractingfluid therefrom, and valve means for controlling the opened and closedcondition of said port.
 2. A washing machine according to claim 1,wherein said port is sealable to external plumbing when said outer shellis in a predetermined angular position.
 3. A washing machine accordingto claim 1, including door means on the circumference of said cylinderand said shell.
 4. A washing machine according to claim 3, wherein thedoor means on said cylinders are of substantially similar dimensions andwhen aligned provide at least one aperture for loading and unloadingwash.
 5. A washing machine according to claim 4, wherein said drivemeans rotates said inner cylinder independently of said outer cylinderduring the washing operation.
 6. A washing machine according to claim 3,wherein said drive means is adapted to position said inner and outercylinders with their respective door means aligned during loading andunloading operations and while aligned to rotate said cylinders insynchronism.
 7. A washing machine according to claim 6, including meansfor positioning the aligned cylinders with the door means about the axisfor loading and with the door means below the axis for unloading.